“Digital transformation” is leaving no stone unturned. Its effects aren’t limited just to big consumer brands like Amazon, Netflix Uber. LEGO Friends 41324 Snow Resort Ski Lift 100% CompleteTechnology has changed how people travel down the path toward membership at your association, and how they engage with your association if or when they join.

A member’s experience with your association or nonprofit used to look different.LEGO Technic Heavy Lift Helicopter 42052 BNIB Retired Product They might hear about you through a direct mail flyer, send in a check to join, and attend a conference once a year. That was association membership. Their journey to joining your association was linear and sequential.[NEW RESIN KIT]12 Mistrial Resin Bill Gudmundson Team Ukeke [O]

Now, they come to your association at various stages of the funnel, or the member/buyer’s journey. And along the way, they expect a different experience from what was the norm 20 years ago.

No matter the reason for the change, anyone who has grown an online community to maturity can tell you that the thought of moving that community to a new platform is enough to keep a person up at night.Bing Limousine a Carica Scatola di Latta Auto Tedesca a Molla 1920s

There are logistical and personal challenges to migrating an entire community, like:

What if members start their own rogue communities because they hate our new platform?

But whatever your worries are, moving your community could be what it needs to become even better.

USJ 15th Anniversary Hotel Kintetsu Ribbon Badge Sesame Street Oscar CollectibleTo get you to that new, better place, there are some strategic elements to think about as you transition your community from one platform (be it social media, a different company, or a listserv) to another.

Do you have a Customer Advisory Board (CAB) or customer advisory council?LEGO 75052 Mos Eisley Cantina Star Wars New in sealed box A lot of software companies do. It’s one of those boxes that you check because you know it’s a best practice.

But something else that’s common is when companies check the CAB box just to have one, but don’t end up doing much with it (likely because of the workload it takes to manage). Lot Of 65 Micro BeybladesRather than becoming the product and customer experience-changing entity that it has the potential to be, many CABs go into hibernation, never to be heard from again.Lego Batman Movie 853638 - Collector Frame 61 Teile 7+ - Neu

In today's global economy, you're no longer competing with just the businesses in your town.Takara Beyblade Burst B-98 Arc Bahamut Deep Chaos Drain Fabnyl Tornado Wyvern You're competing around the world, and you may offer similar products and services to half a dozen other vendors, maybe more. LEGO Christmas Seasonal 40124 Winter Fun 40092 Reindeer Gift 40222 Build UpYou need a way to differentiate yourself outside of product and price, which can only be tweaked so much.

Smart businesses that find themselves in this situation turn to customer support as the differentiator.

Excellent customer service and support are highly effective ways to stand out because they also build loyalty among your customers.Authenticated RARE TY Seamore Beanie Baby Mint Museum QualityIt will often cause them to select you for renewals and recommend you even if your prices are higher than the competition. Just consider these stats: